Why Did You Wear That? | WhyDid.com

Why Did You Wear That: The Perfect Paradox

By Kirsten|November 9th, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

In sticking with this week’s theme of leather and lace, sugar and spice, sultry and sweet this outfit should provide some weekend outfit inspiration. And wouldn’t you know, I’ve found yet another way to incorporate a crop top. Sure it’s gotten quite a bit colder here in New York, but wearing a coat in transit makes showing a little skin entirely achievable. Pairing a high waisted pencil skirt with a lacy top is a great way to show off your curves without having to pile yourself into some type of bandage contraption. It’s classic, yet modern and most all body types can wear the look, crop top optional.

As I’ve mentioned, contradictions are my specialty. Mixing something more tough with something seen as soft is the way to create drama (the only kind I’m into) without looking like you’re trying too hard or doing too much. The skirt is actually something I’ve had for years- since I was a sophomore in highschool as a matter of fact. Because a custom made leather dress seems totally normal for a 16 year old’s homecoming (photographic evidence here). I held onto it knowing that while it may have been a bit ahead of my time as a teen, it would be a piece that would stand the test of time. Worn with a cropped lace tee, black booties, and subtle accessories, it is the perfect paradox.

top: American Apparel (thanks, Mer), skirt: custom (similar here), bra: Cosabella, bag: Malini Murjani, bracelet: vintage necklace (similar here), booties: Steven, ring: Grandma’s (similar here), earrings: vintage (similar here)

xx,

WhyDid

photos by Michael Stiegler

Friday Frocks: Lil Bit of This, Lil Bit of That

By Kirsten|November 8th, 2013|Friday Frocks|

Every woman, no matter her age, lifestyle, or body type must own the perfect LBD. At times, a simple black frock can seem a bit dull, but there are some easy ways to add interest to an otherwise standard staple. To avoid falling flat, texture can be a crucial part of keeping your LBD from being run of the mill. Leather, lace, or a combination of the two will take you from standard to standout. In a classic shape or something more au courant, the basic little black dress has never looked better.

1. Madewell Leather Dress, 2. Lovers + Friends I Heart Babydoll Dress, 3. Alice + Olivia Shelly Leather Trimmed Dress, 4. HELMUT Helmut Lang Half Leather Dress, 5. Nightcap Clothing Florence Lace Dress, 6. Roberto Cavalli Lace and Stretch Jersey Dress, 7. Thakoon Addition Cutout Midriff Leather Dress, 8. Stylestalker TLC Dress, 9. Maje Deraphine Lace Paneled Jersey Dress, 10. Nicholas Leather Racer Paneled Dress

xx,

WhyDid

Image via

Why Did You Wear That: Til the Bitter End

By Kirsten|October 30th, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

So, I guess the nineties are back. And I guess you know I’m going to be wearing a crop top until the bitter end. And by bitter end, I mean a February snowstorm. I plan on riding that trend like the Lone Ranger rode Silver. I work very hard for those toned abs, just ask Jenn. This outfit combines many of my very favorite items. A flannel shirt that was my mother’s and you may recognize, a crop top, a bralette, acid washed jeans (that contain -2% spandex), and the little black bootie. It’s as if I threw all my favorite things into a crock pot, let them simmer, and came out with the world’s most delicious outfit– kind of like mulled wine.

shirt: vintage (similar here), top: Brandy Melville, bralette: Cosabella, jeans: 7 for All Mankind (similar here), booties: Brian Atwood, bag: Alexander Wang, dog: Smitty

xx,

WhyDid

Friday Frocks: Sweater Dressing

By Kirsten|October 25th, 2013|Friday Frocks|

To me, there is no better thing than being able to look pulled together while feeling as if you are lounging in your oldest holiest sweats. The perfect way to achieve this style nirvana is by acquiring a sweater dress… or many of them. Be it cashmere, merino wool, or cotton blend, sweater dresses come in all shapes, colors, and patterns making it quite possible to wear one each and every day of the week. Perfectly suited for a day at the office or a weekend brunch with friends, this knit number is as versatile as it is comfortable. With tights, over the knee boots, and a leather jacket, no one will ever accuse you of being frumpy.

1. 360 SWEATER Zana Sweater Dress, 2. Remain Intarsia Knit Sweater Dress, 3. kensie Stripe Cotton Blend Sweater, 4. Tess Giberson Intarsia Collage Sweater Dress, 5. Matthew Williamson Knitted Sweater Dress, 6. Jonathan Simkhai Pixel Sweater Dress, 7. Tibi Intarsia Cotton and Modal Dress, 8.Temperley London Honeycomb Dress, 9. French Connection Stripe Sweater Dress, 10. Maison Martin Margiela Paneled Wool Sweater Dress

xx,

WhyDid

image via

Why Did You Wear That: Back to Basics

By Kirsten|October 23rd, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

I like to keep things simple. (K.I.S.S.). I find that many women spend (or waste) a lot of time overcomplicating their outfits. The fact of the matter is, most women dress for other women. We think we’re dressing for ourselves, but let’s be honest- we’re really just trying to look badder than the babe next to us. The thing is, all the hours spent fussing over the latest and greatest trends can’t be taken back. Sometimes, it’s best to just stick to the basics.

When a friend of mine, who I never get to see– especially when he snags a girlfriend– told me he was nearby and inquired if I was around to grab a drink (when am I not?), I plucked myself from my seat on the couch and promptly closed my computer. I had to get ready quickly and rather than stand in front of my closet scratching my head and cursing my entire wardrobe, I picked out two items that go together better than Snooki and JWow. Jeans and a white tank. There really is no way to go wrong with a perfectly fitting pair of jeans and a basic white top. Spice up a seemingly boring outfit with a detailed denim and add interest with your shoes and handbag. There’s a reason some things are called classics.